I had the pleasure of working with Gary for many years at S&S. As several have shared,Gary was a kind, pleasant, down-to-earth leader with a warm personality and infectious smile. He was willing to give a direct helping hand and offer intelligent sound work advice when needed. Even though it's been many years since I worked at S&S I have continued to receive warm regards from him through my beloved former boss and his dear friend Adene Corns. It was truly a pleasure knowing him and he will be sorely missed! I extend my deepest condolences to Nicole , Tyler, Luke, Ms. Arlene and the entire Urda family! I have been praying for you and will continue to. May the Lord Jesus Christ be near you during this sorrowful time and give you comfort and solace! Lisa Washington

Gary's love and support of others is an example to us all. Such a good, sweet man who will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, College buddies, neighbors. He reached out to us all with a smile and a hug. Now, we reach out to his family with condolences and prayers and promises to keep his example living on. Sue and Harold Poppe

Prayers for eternal peace. Fly high - rest easy!! ⚽️# 14 Gary the most stand up true gentleman who was about family, love and integrity. He adored his Nicole and his 3 sons. Sean is still here just in a different way. Gary your smile was contagious. People may think rich comes with money - well this family has a different meaning to the word. Everyone migrated to him and his family cause they are such loving people who I adore and LOVE MORE with all my heart. Gary was so proud of his foundation he created with Nicole. Everytime I would see him driving I would beep my horn like crazy until I got his attention along with everyone else on the road 🤦🏻‍♀️ Nicole - what a huge loss but so blessed that you had the chance to be loved by Gary. Tyler and Luke walk in your dad's footsteps and you'll never need anything else. He was one of a kind. Honor him by living thru him. Some people live an entire life without experiencing that kind of love. Hold him close to your heart so he's never far away. Love all of you and truly an honor to be part of this family. Love Denise Piccoli

I'll never forget the day Gary reached out to me to see if I'd be interested in a position at S&S. I couldn't have been more excited to work with him — he had a stellar reputation in the publishing world. My excitement was spot on because he taught me so much during my time there. He always listened and valued my opinions. He took the time to get to know all of his employees and would give us praise when we were selling in books. He let me think outside of the box. He was a fantastic boss! While I moved on from S&S, I always looked forward to hearing him call out my name and give me a big hug when I'd see him at meetings. Sending so much love to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

To the family of Gary Urda, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Gary's passing has deeply affected everyone who knew him. Many of us have cherished memories of our decades-long friendships with him. If you had the pleasure of working with him or simply knowing him, you undoubtedly loved him for his warmth, generosity, and kindness. He was known for his level-headed approach, always seeking solutions that benefited everyone involved. His absence is a profound loss. My heart aches for his family, who understand the magnitude of this loss more than anyone. God bless you all during this difficult time.

I am in utter shock. Gary was the nicest man. I played soccer with his son Sean growing up, and the Urdas often took me to soccer tournaments when my mother could not afford to go herself, and Gary always treated me as his own son - including me in his family dinners and making me feel part of the family. He spread smiles, love, and light with every person he encountered. He went through devastating heartbreak when Sean passed, and that only motivated him more to spread love to everyone he knew, knowing each day was not guaranteed and a blessing. I will always remember Gary and the love that he brought to my life. Heartfelt Condolences to Nicole, Luke, and Tyler 💜

I had the privilege of working with Gary at BDD at the beginning of our careers. I recently reconnected with him and it was like no time had elapsed. A smile on his face always and just the sweetest person! I am happy to have worked with him. Wishing you all comfort at this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.